Def Leppard was formed in 1977 in Sheffield, England and went on to sell over 65 million albums worldwide. Two of their albums, Pyromania and Hysteria, reached RIAA diamond certification. They music inspired a nation with their hard rock and heavy metal grooves. Their fame has reached limitless amounts, and their fan base, much like the band – has never died.
In 2008, Def Leppard played with Taylor Swift in Nashville, Tennessee, for a show called CMT Crossroads: Def Leppard and Taylor Swift. The DVD was released in 2009 and sold more than anyone, during their first week. Some of the performances were nominated for CMT Music Awards in 2009. But, by October 2009, the band canceled the last leg of their tour, due to personal matters.
However, Def Leppard is planning to tour again in 2011. Most of the members are currently in side projects, while waiting for their new tour.
The Music:
They have released ten studio albums in their career including On Through the Night (1980), High ‘n’ Dry (1981), Pyromania (1983), Hysteria (1987), Adrenalize (1992), Retro Active (1993), Slang (1999), X (2002), Yeah! (2006), and Songs from the Sparkle Lounge (2008).
Some of their biggest songs are Bringin’ On The Heartbreak, Rock of Ages, Too Late For Love, Hysteria, Love Bites, Pour Some Sugar on Me, Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad, Two Steps Behind, Too Late For Love, Animal, Armageddon It, and Photograph.
Where Are They Now? Current Members:
Def Leppard members are Joe Elliot, Rick Savage, Phil Collen, Rick Allen, and Vivian Campbell. The band is planning to tour again in 2011.
Joe Elliot is currently playing DJ at the Planet Rock radio station. Many rock stars have taken to the airwaves at Planet Rock, like Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) and Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath). For more information go to planetrock.com.
Rick Savage is married to Paige Hannon, and they have two children, Scott and Tyler. When not touring he likes to spend time with his kids.
Rick Allen aka Richard John Cyril Allen is the drummer for Def Leppard, he is famous for overcoming the amputation of his left arm, although he continued to play with the band. After having charges filed by his ex-wife, and attending AA, he and Stacey. He married Lauren Monroe in 2003 and they co-founded, The Raven Drum Foundation, a charity based in California. Their mission is to serve, educate, and empower veterans and people in crisis.
Phil Collen aka Philip Kenneth Collen is the lead guitarist for Def Leppard. He has been in the band since 1982, when he replaced Pete Willis. He lives in Orange County, where he has lived for over 18 years. He has one son and one daughter, is a vegan, and works with PETA.
Vivian Patrick Campbell is also a guitarist for Def Leppard and as of May 2010, a member of Thin Lizzy. He joined Def Leppard in 1992, replacing Steve Clark, who died on January 8, 1991. He has been in many other bands like Whitesnake, Trinity, Riverdogs, Shadow King, Clock, and Dio.
Former Members:
Steve Clark was the co-lead guitarist up until his death on January 8, 1991; of an accidental drug-overdose. He was on a six month leave from the band and was found dead by his girlfriend Janie Dean.
Pete Willis was one of the original guitarists for the band, until 1982, when he was replaced by Phil Collen. Later Pete Willis appeared on VH1’s1’s Behind the Music, calling his firing one of the best things that ever happened to him. Pete Willis currently runs his own property management company in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. Tony Kenning is also a former member, but there is no word on his whereabouts.
I certainly hope to see Def Leppard in 2011!
Article Sources:
Joe Takes Over the Microphone at Planet Rock:
http://www.defleppard.com/news/
Rick Allen:
http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20142039,00.html
http://www.ravendrumfoundation.org
Phil Collen Talks to PETA About Being Vegetarian:
http://www.goveg.com/f-philcollen.asp
http://www.philcollenpc1.com/bio.html
Vivian Campbell:
http://www.viviancampbell.com
